auger bits

[kknaas]

I was wondering what brand of ship auger bits others are using? I have heard that the quality of the lenox bits have gone down. Is this true just for lenox or for other brands also?

[celtic]

I gone through a bunch of Greenlee's...could be wear, abuse or quality issues ??? Most of them I have had for quite awhile.

I just bought a new "Irwin Speedbor MAX Spade Bits":
http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/images/small/3041004_sm.jpg http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/images/more/3041004_alt3.jpg
http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/jhtml/detail.jhtml?prodId=IrwinProd160002
Doesn't look like a spade to me.

I should be breaking it in next week ...if the GC ever gets his act together.
I'll give my "review" then.

[mdshunk]

My power tool dealer carries a line of generic bits called "Magna" or something similar to that sound. They're a duplicate of the Greenlee NailEater bits, but half the price. I can't tell the difference. The saw sharpening shop charges 1 dollar to sharpen them, so I havn't had to buy new bits in a year or so. The screw point wears out, which is when I need to trash the bit. Generally get 4 or 5 sharpenings before the screw point is too worn to drag the bit through the wood.

[big vic]

Ideal Nailbiter

http://www.mytoolstore.com/ideal/ide14-04.html

[j_erickson]

Ideal Nailbiter

http://www.mytoolstore.com/ideal/ide14-04.html

A few months ago, my Ideal rep told me that the company that used to make the Lenox bits now makes them for Ideal. And that the quality of the Lenox bits has gone downhill. I don't remember why this happened, but you seem to substantiate the story BigVic. I used to use either Lenox or Greenlee so now I use either Ideal or Greenlee. But I also buy some cheapies by Morris. About $17 for a 7/8 x 18". They hold up well and sharpen up nice. They are not as hard as the others so they ding up a bit easier, but also sharpen up a bit easier.

[bjp_ne_elec]

I've used both Ideal and Greenlee - and I find that the Ideal holds up much better when dealing with nails. I took the Greenlee bit back, when there was a Greenlee day at a local supplier - and she chalked it up to an anomoly. I'm not buying it, as I've seen it happen on other bits. She did kindly replace it, and I kidded her that I'd probably be back to trade it in for an Ideal.

[celtic]

I just found this story/video:
Tool Watch: Drill Bit Blowout (with Video) (http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/home_journal_news/4212305.html)

[mdshunk]

I just found this story/video:
Tool Watch: Drill Bit Blowout (with Video) (http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/home_journal_news/4212305.html)What a load of crapieola pudding... they pushed the drill through by hand power. A real test would have had the drill pushed by a fixed weight or calibrated fixture of some sort. Their results might have been the same, but the basic flaw remains.

[celtic]

That was my thought as well ....LOL.
Like the green kid, first day on the job...how many holes until he's done?
:D

[j_erickson]

If anyone wants a great bit, thry one of these:http://www.vermontamerican.com/Products/productdetail.htm?G=191083&GRP=191083&I=71473

I've been using them for almost 15 years and they are phenomenal. Last forever, drill insanely quick and no more tearout than a regualar spade bit. And very inexpensive. I keep a bunch of sizes, but use the 3/4 mostly. Only about $8.

Since I don't know how, maybe someone can post the pic here? Celtic??

They are hard to find, but you can order them at ACE online.

[infinity]

I can't remember the brand but I bought a few auger style bits from Big Orange. Every one of them broke on the first hole. I'll have to find out which brand they were because they're really crap.

[celtic]

I can't remember the brand but I bought a few auger style bits from Big Orange. Every one of them broke on the first hole.

Hope you saved the reciept.... I just did the same thing with a 1/4" tile bit ~ baked on the first hole. Next time I was in Big Box, they got their POS bit back and I got some wood. :D

[Davis9]

I can't remember the brand but I bought a few auger style bits from Big Orange. Every one of them broke on the first hole. I'll have to find out which brand they were because they're really crap.


Last time I got one there it was a Greenlee?

Although they do have some cheap Ship Auger bits in the tool corral.

Tom

[LarryFine]

Since I don't know how, maybe someone can post the pic here?Allow me.

http://66.77.255.87/Images/VA%20Products/14566_VA/WEB_PD/14566_VA_pd.jpg

[celtic]

Since I don't know how, maybe someone can post the pic here? Celtic??


Opps...sorry...didn't see that

[LarryFine]

Opps...sorry...didn't see thatThat's why I'm here. ;)

[hillbilly]

I can't remember the model numbers, but I bought (2) Greenlee wood bits (1/2" and 3/4") at the Big Orange a couple of months ago.
The price seemed really cheap for Greenlee (around 8$ each) so I jumped on them.
This design really screws thru the wood...literally.
They will not clear the chips and it takes constant pulling to keep the hole cleaned out.
The problem is more evident on thicker pieces of wood (like double studs), and they work (just) OK on single thickness.
I can't use my battery powered drill (Dewalt 12V) because it drags it down when the bit gets deep.
That is unless I constantly back it out and drag the chips out.
I'm gonna post the model numbers next time I get to the truck.
I was really disappointed in these bits.
Just a opinion
steve

[j_erickson]

Allow me.


http://66.77.255.87/Images/VA%20Products/14566_VA/WEB_PD/14566_VA_pd.jpg

Thanks Larry. :smile:

Does anyone else use these? If not, you don't know what you're missing.

[Davis9]

Thanks Larry. :smile:

Does anyone else use these? If not, you don't know what you're missing.


I used them a couple of times but the screw tip stays in the wood if you try to back it out. I wasn't happy with that one. I've been using the Greenlee Self feeding spade bits lately and they seem to hold up well.

Tom

[-marty]

Although the Irwin and Vermont look like great bits, for me it's all about the chip extractor. I like the greenlee best. I like the replaceable screw tip in the Milwaukee but no chip extractor. I do a few log houses with big timbers.

[celtic]

:smile:

Does anyone else use these? If not, you don't know what you're missing.

I sometimes use these brutes:
http://www.lsdinc.com/images/products/mega_bore_bits_angled.jpg

[bjp_ne_elec]

Got one of these Irwin Self-Feed Wood Bits yesterday, and it cuts wood like butter! It comes with an extra replaceable coarse screw point - so if it breaks - you just replace the point.

[JohnJ0906]

Allow me.


http://66.77.255.87/Images/VA%20Products/14566_VA/WEB_PD/14566_VA_pd.jpg



John, I used these until it became too hard to find (The place I bought them stopped carrying them) I use a Greenlee shorty 3/4" nail eater. The Irwin ship augers are pure trash.

[bjp_ne_elec]

John - on the Irwin ship augers - what was the issue? My experience on Greenlee has been negative - they don't "eat" nails too well - irregardless of the "naileater" being in their name.

Just curious, as I was thinking about trying the Irwin ship auger after my positive experience with their self-feed wood bits.

Thanks

[JohnJ0906]

Dull very fast. I've used greenlee for years, and no, it wont "eat" every nail, but it won't dull upon hitting 4 or 5 either. Irwin does make some good bits, but, IMHO their ship augers=trash. I had one last 1/2 a day once and wouldn't drill anymore

[bjp_ne_elec]

John - thanks for clarifying. They don't deem it a "nail-eater" do they? You're just saying under normal wood boring conditions, they don't hold their sharpness - so I think I'll stay away from them. That is unless Irwin wishes to donate one to my company's cause, and I'll "road test" it.

I'll have to see how the self-feed line of Irwin's work - but my initial experience is positive - but let me get some more holes drilled to see if they keep their sharpness.

[Davis9]

I recently found a Saw shop locally that resharpens Auger bits. I had never thrown them out(6yrs) and got them all sharpened for 100 bucks! I just finished a rough on a 2700sq ft house and the bit seemed to hold up very well. I figured that if they lasted One house it was worth the 3 bucks to have it sharpened professionally.

Just another thought. He even seemed to straighten the screw tip on the bits as well.

Tom:)

[JohnJ0906]

John - thanks for clarifying. They don't deem it a "nail-eater" do they? You're just saying under normal wood boring conditions, they don't hold their sharpness - so I think I'll stay away from them. That is unless Irwin wishes to donate one to my company's cause, and I'll "road test" it.

I'll have to see how the self-feed line of Irwin's work - but my initial experience is positive - but let me get some more holes drilled to see if they keep their sharpness.

No, they don't call them nail-eaters. Irwin does make some good stuff. I use their spade bit, a "installer" bit or 2, and a few other things.

[JohnJ0906]

I admit, if Celtic gives a good review on the new style bits Irwin came out with, I will give 'em a tryout.

[Dennis Alwon]

Maybe I have been going about it all wrong.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/Fspubs/01232833/fig084.jpg

[bjp_ne_elec]

I remember when my Dad had one of those in his tool box. That's too much like work!

[Dennis Alwon]

I remember when my Dad had one of those in his tool box. That's too much like work!


Yeah, but I bet you won't drill too many 3" holes with that tool. :)

[Dennis Alwon]

I might suggest that if you are in an unfinished basement with these wires you can run a running borad in the corner and attach your wires to it. This would eliminate any drilling.

If it is a finished basement perhaps the wires can be hidden in some dropped soffit where the duct work will be run and boxed in.

[celtic]

I admit, if Celtic gives a good review on the new style bits Irwin came out with, I will give 'em a tryout.

That'll depend on IF the GC has gotten his act together....which I kind of doubt....2 weeks ago the addition foundation wasn't even dug!

However, I can revise MY schedule and work on the existing structure ~ if he has it all framed out.

[bjp_ne_elec]

Celtic - curious on what your feedback is on those new bits.

[celtic]

Celtic - curious on what your feedback is on those new bits.

I'll be doing a drive-by/walk-through tom'row in the afternoon...we'll see how far along the GC has gotten.

[JohnJ0906]

"I just wanted to say, good luck. We're all counting on you"

Leislie Neilson "Airplane!"

:grin:

[j_erickson]

John, I used these until it became too hard to find (The place I bought them stopped carrying them) I use a Greenlee shorty 3/4" nail eater. The Irwin ship augers are pure trash.

Yeah, they are hard to find now, but they are worth ordering online for me. Sears usually has them, though.

They don't replace auger or self feed bits for me, just complement them. I use them anywhere I'd normally use a spade bit, and a lot of places where I'd use a small auger. One a battery drill with enough power, they fly through the wood. And they drill a clean hole if you ease up at the end. I use them for drilling occasional holes in a rough, drilling holes through top and bottome plates for fishing, and for hanging microwave hoods (use the 1 3/8 for the cord hole and 3/4 for the mounting holes), just for example.

[JohnJ0906]

Sears stopped carrying them around here! That's where I used to get them-oh, well.:mad:

[quogueelectric]

Drill bits have always been a problem for the electrician. I got to a point about 5 yrs ago where I said to myself I am not going to work like an ahole with the wrong equipment. I want only the best of the best you get what you pay for so I bought every single type of drill bit known to man in ny. After many painfully expensive reviews this is what I came up with. In my opinion the greenlee set with the quick change cutpretty good. It was about 300 bannanas for the set. However under heavy use and drilling into heavilly packed out corners in a bearing wall one of the replaceable worm screws pulled out at the worst possible time. Then as I was trying to work the bit out it somehow unlocked itself from its quick change extention and i have been carrying it the whole set in the bottom of the bag ever since. erwin bits cut good when new but dull quickly. the Ideal 1"auger has been one of the best with 2 cutting blades for heavy rough in is great dont hit nails tho it is not a nail eater . The small short ideal 3/4 and 7/8 augers are among the best with a cordless pricey but worth it stay clear of nails and will only go 2 studs fully extended. The milwaulkee self feed bits are pound for pound the best but must be kept clean of wood depris which gets jammed in the bottom of the worm screw I have 4 or 5 naileaters in my truck but hardly use them anymore. The invention of the century is the carbide cutter for drilling steel boxes panels ect. the greenlee 660 is by far the best followed by wilwaulkee then klien is the cheapest with a single cutting carbide tip. the greenlee set is about 300 bannanas and worth every penny for more comercial style work they get stolen a lot so keep them close to your vest. Bosch makes a quick change holesaw kit which is excelent and it has almost every size up to about 3 inch the only major drawback is the availability of the quick change pilot bits which I had to write to germany to get replacements. Bosch mailed me 6 free bits for my trouble and I now have plenty of pilot bits and pretty much every bit ever made in the history of bits. my advice is milwaulkee for wood self feed. Greenlee for light steel and the Bosch kit just so you know you have every size at all times.

[rob1kva]

Maybe I have been going about it all wrong.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/Fspubs/01232833/fig084.jpg
Hey dennis isnt' that what Larry Fine {the other Larry Fine of 3 Stooges fame} used to call a "turn a rounder" LOL

[Dennis Alwon]

Hey dennis isnt' that what Larry Fine {the other Larry Fine of 3 Stooges fame} used to call a "turn a rounder" LOL

I was just talking about the infamous stooge Larry Fine the other day. Everytime I would see Mike Holt's Forum infamous Larry Fine I kept thinking why I knew that name. I mentioned it to someone last week and they reminded me that was one of the stooges name.

[LarryFine]

Well, this was my avatar a while back:

http://fineelectricco.com/larry_fine.jpg

[macmikeman]

Thanks Larry. :smile:

Does anyone else use these? If not, you don't know what you're missing.

I've used those alot in the past 5 years. You do need to pull the bit back out a few times to remove the rubbish or it is going to get stuck, but otherwise they are pretty good for close work such as getting thru the top plates from the attic end.

[Bulldog1401]

Used them until they became too hard to find. Very good bit. Greenlee nail biters will suck nails right out of the wood and drop tem at the feet of the nail happy carpenter. Ideal double helix cuts faster but doesn't pull the nails as well. Irwin speed bore is lightning fast but doesn't take abuse well.

[tonyou812]

all i know is irwin bits can kiss my ass one nail and its done. I recently bought a ideal bit, and it seems to be holding up very well. i think its acually called nail eater. it drills like a champ and i havent had to sharpen it in about 4 weeks. Im quite impressed, or maybey its the cheep spruce the builder has been using as of late.

[JohnJ0906]

I gone through a bunch of Greenlee's...could be wear, abuse or quality issues ??? Most of them I have had for quite awhile.

I just bought a new "Irwin Speedbor MAX Spade Bits":
http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/images/small/3041004_sm.jpg http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/images/more/3041004_alt3.jpg
http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/jhtml/detail.jhtml?prodId=IrwinProd160002
Doesn't look like a spade to me.

I should be breaking it in next week ...if the GC ever gets his act together.
I'll give my "review" then.

Since Celtic forgot his review (:grin: ) I'll give one.
I just picked up one of these 2 weeks ago, and so far it works like a champ. However, it's not QUITE as good after I accidentally ground it against a block wall. It still works well though. Maybe I'll pick up another one to give a fair tryout without cinder block interference.

[celtic]

Since Celtic forgot his review (:grin: )

I didn't forget....maybe the GC forgot he's supposed to show up everyday and push his crew/s :)

I posted that 04-08-2007, 11:28 AM ....last week the HVAC was there ~ might STILL be ....this week the plumber.

MAYBE....just maybe, by Father's day....but don't hold your breath LOL



I'll give one.
I just picked up one of these 2 weeks ago, and so far it works like a champ. However, it's not QUITE as good after I accidentally ground it against a block wall. It still works well though. Maybe I'll pick up another one to give a fair tryout without cinder block interference.

If the tip isn't bent, have you taken a file to the bruised cutting edge/s?

[JohnJ0906]

No, it still works good. Any bit I use sees hard use. :roll:
I would like to compare a new one vs. a new ship auger, let the best bit win!

[jaylectricity]

Tried and true:

http://www.antique-used-tools.com/StanRussJenn100Bit_1516.jpg

Use that bit with this drill:

http://www.antique-used-tools.com/StanYank1446XDrill.jpg

:grin:
:roll:
:confused:
:wink:
:mad:

[celtic]

Come on Jay, come clean...that thing has never seen a jobsite ~ the paints still fresh :D

[jaylectricity]

Maybe I have been going about it all wrong.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/Fspubs/01232833/fig084.jpg

Or "AWL" wrong. haha.

[jaylectricity]

Come on Jay, come clean...that thing has never seen a jobsite ~ the paints still fresh :D

Oh, I was supposed to 'use' it? Haha!